Photos: A day at the solar boat races

The race starts and ends in the Frisian capital of Leeuwarden in the Netherlands. This year's race began with a major obstacle--note the sky.

FNSC Solar Challenge

Two boats race down a Dutch river. The solar boat on the right is a catamaran style vessel, while the boat on the left features two back-to-back drivers. There are one- and two-driver classes in the race.

Solar energy is also the power behind the North American Solar Challenge for solar race cars.

FNSC Solar Challenge

Four-person teams compete in the FNSC Solar Challenge, and they must meet two conditions. Each team member must take a turn riding in the boat--and they must all be able to swim.

FNSC Solar Challenge

A solar boat navigates through a small canal. Racers finish a leg of the course each day--then camp out and prepare for the next day's race. The Friday leg of the race is called "Hell of the North" by speedskaters, as competitors will have to take their boats out of the water twice and walk. There are two dams they will have to surmount.

FNSC Solar Challenge

A solar racer corners in a canal.

FNSC Solar Challenge

Here, organizers get the solar boats ready for the start.

FNSC Solar Challenge